The news about Gavroche’s death had been something Beauregard was sure all those in Ethne felt. Even if they had not known the healer, knowing that a wicked wolf lurked outside their borders had Beauregard on edge. With the killer caught and justice served one might hope that life could go back to the normal routines, but that wasn’t so. As Beau patrolled Ethne’s borders he noticed the fading scent of their Leader at the borders and worry began to gnaw for him. He knew where the Kedieo family denned, but knowing they were grieving he did not feel right approaching at this time. All he could do was ensure he kept to his duties and made sure that the borders remained safe for those who remained. Beauregard had spent a good chunk of the later part of the night patrolling the creek. It was early morning now, the sun creeping up over the horizon as he padded up to the edge of the creek and lowered his head to drink. The water was cool and refreshing, though the morning “greeting” of the birds above was a bit louder than he would have liked. Trill was no doubt among them, living her best life now that she was among other birds. Overall he was sure that by coming to Ethne he and his partners had made the best choice. Thinking of Tan, Mika, Henry and Benson made him smile. He would likely get scolded for the fact that he had woken up and gone on a patrol instead of properly resting but surely they would forgive him. Hmm… maybe he could find something nice to take back to the den with him? His gaze flicked across the surface of the creek, towards a duck that was attempting to fish toward the other bank. Breakfast, perhaps? "Talk, 'Think.'

Henry

Monsters lurk nearby…..

Most of them had avoided the nightmares a lot easier in the past. Like a protective net on tanelan each alter in turn had made an effort to stabilize their lives. Memories was also a fickle thing and it was entirely unknown if the recent event were the trigger. Maybe Beau had noticed, their despondency in the last few days. Feeling out of it, possibly just tired. Which of them had responded was a bit of a tangle. Henry though was certain the flush of his fragment of memories it was a clue if any. Their vague memory of family and wretched things there after. That and today in their unconscious there seemed to be no sign of Tanelan themself.

So he stayed in the den then. Morning was just approaching and Henry noted the missing form of their mate. Tail twitching Henry sighed, it was always up to them to sort out an answer. The protector they said, though Henry lacked fighting skills. Staring at the entrance to the den, Henry has organized everything they could. Cleaning calmed their nerves.

Beauregard had made short work of the duck. The kill had been made quickly and easily, the young man having gotten quite good at catching smaller meals for his partners. He smiled, tail wagging back and forth as he turned and began to trot back to the den they were sharing. But the action was more than just a gesture of love. He’d grown worried about them. All of them. They had been a bit more out of it, tired, seeming like something beneath the surface was getting to them. Though he worried, Beau did not press. He supported them as he could, staying close, and he didn’t expect them to be awake long before he returned.

Only as he approached the outer part of their den he noticed that Henry had been busy. The “porch” of sorts Beau had made, a combination of relying on trees and branches to make a covered and open area, was tidy of any of Blind’s scraps, bits of fur, or bone she left scattered about. Things that had been there before. Henry was out. Beauregard frowned, passing through the threshold and moving to the spacious den that had been dug out for them. He’d set the duck down, a soft whine leaving him. “I know something has been up… Henry please, talk to me. What is bothering everyone…?” How could he help if he didn’t know what the problem was?

"Speech," 'Thought.'

Henry watched carefully while Beau set the duck down. So it was up to them to spill the beans. Not that there was much to spill give the odd behavior. It wasnt as if theyd hidden something from Beau. They just didnt want anyone in the pack spreading rumors. Henry smiled sitting and coming his paw through their own chest fur. "Now no need to panic its fine really." oh Henry really was aterrible liar. In fact Henry may have been the most likely to panic.

"Tanelan appears to be missing. For a while now. Its hard to explain but theres been no sign or feeling of them within us." they took in a deep breath. Letting out a nervous laugh as they paced around the den. "We didnt want anyone to know. And please dont bring this to a healer. Its fine really." Henry didnt suppose anything was different. But the dizzy spells and awkward feelings had come along with tans disappearance.

When Henry spoke it did not give Beauregard any comfort. Fine? It didn’t seem fine. A small whine escaped his lips, the worry for his partners filling him. What Henry said made his heart sink. Tanelan was missing? But how? He didn’t doubt Henry’s words… but if they couldn’t feel him… how was that possible? Tan had been the host. The one that held them all together. Beau watched as Henry began to pace. “Henry, it's not fine and you and I both know it. Look at you, you’re worried sick.” Beauregard moved to his side, trying to slow the pacing of the other male down. “I want you guys to calm down. Lay with me. Tell me about what you’ve been experiencing since he disappeared.” His blue eyes met with theirs. “We’ll figure this out together… I promise.”

"Speech" 'Thought.'

Henry

Monsters lurk nearby…..

Henry turned to Beau. Stopping as he leaned into the larger male. Taking a few deep breaths he exhaled carefully. Listening to their mate Henry took a moment before collecting their thoughts for an answer. "Okay so, its not like this hasnt happened before, but this time its different." Henry leaned their head against Beaus neck fur. Letting his warmth be a source of comfort. "Before we were aware of each other it wasnt uncommon for Mika or even me to front for multiple or a whole season. However ever since we were diagnosed its been this weird.... knowing that we are around. Like a feeling in your gut." the purple wolfs tail curled around themself.

"Ive been having more nightmares than recently. But I think theyre more than just nightmares. Its like a horrible flash of something thats already happened. My memories never been the greatest but I feel like it has to do with all this stuff we are remebering." at least this was the theory henry had come up with. Henry sighed relaxing his shoulders a bit more. "At first it felt like me and Mika were fighting at the same time to feel conscious. Probably why it feels like weve been sleeping a lot latley. Its almost like being stuck in a daydream. I felt dizzy a few times. Before we knew it Tan was no longer fronting or even making an attempt to become conscious." theyd been out of it that was for sure. "I think itd help if you took us back to the antinox. I feel like weve forgotten something important." they whined softly laying their head on their paws.

This had happened before, but it wasn’t information that brought Beauregard any sense of comfort. That had been before there was unity within their body… that they could be at the forefront of it all. His ears lowered, and he sighed softly. “I’m sorry… you guys shouldn’t have to be dealing with this.” He pressed his form against them and reached over to his mate, gently nuzzling Henry’s shoulder as the man leaned against him. He wanted to provide comfort for him. For all of them. If they were having nightmares, and there was danger that might approach, he wanted to make sure they were safe. The nightmares… no, memories… “If anyone or anything comes to try and bring harm to you guys, I will keep you safe. Maybe he’s remembering things that have made him shut down. Things he doesn’t want to, or can’t face.” He was worried, but based on what he knew about them switching, it seemed to be tied to certain situations each of them was better at handling. The man flicked his ears back. “I’ve been meaning to talk to Haydee, Bellamy’s daughter about leaving. I… I think it would be better for you to stay here for a little while longer while I check on some things. I will come back for you guys when that time comes, and we can go to the Antiox. There are some things I want to check out before we make that trip.” Beauregard gave a soft whine. “I… don’t want to part from you guys, but I feel like this might be necessary. Please stay within Ethne. I won’t ask for a healer to check on you, but I’d feel more comfortable if you were in the safety of the lands until I return.” His heart clutched in his check. “I don’t want to lose any of you…” "Speech" 'Thought.'